Lee Freeman-Smith
Programs & Events Manager at Cherokee Office of Economic Development- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Life Skills Facilitator
Survival Skills Education and Development
Experience
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Cherokee Office of Economic Development
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United States
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Real Estate
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1 - 100 Employee
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Programs & Events Manager
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Apr 2023 - Present
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The Center for Family Resources
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President of Operations
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2018 - 2022
• Hired, trained, and provided daily oversight to a team of 12 case and program managers ensuring effective administration and reporting of $7 million in grants directly impacting children and families. • Created new operational guidelines for the intake process, streamlining workflow to effectively manage 400-600 monthly service calls. • Directed the employee assistance program and expanded from 3 to 7 companies increasing the fees for service revenue to support additional staff to continue serving employees in need of financial assistance.• Established and maintained internal operations and relationships with Cobb County Government, City of Powder Springs, Wellstar Health Systems, Genuine Parts, Lockheed Martin, Cobb Community Foundation, Cobb County and Marietta City Schools fostering collaboration and on-going support of the programs and organization. • Assisted in the strategic planning process to establish a new mission, vision, and rebranding campaign to build capacity and continue the strong legacy of the organization. • Convened community stakeholders and facilitated monthly calls to share resources and build partnerships and create opportunities for greater collaboration and connection among other service providers.• As a member of the senior leadership team, mentored and coached team members to help foster professional growth and a positive company culture committed to deliver services to low-income families collaboratively, efficiently, and effectively. • Acted as spokesperson in foundation, government, and corporate meetings, as well as media interviews. Show less
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Project Director
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2008 - 2018
• Provided project oversight, leadership, and Board management for the Marietta/Cobb Continuum of Care Program which secured $2 million dollars annually to serve and support the homeless. • Facilitated all communication for the 130 members of the Marietta/Cobb Continuum of Care Program. • Planned and executed the annual Thanks for Giving Program including leading the planning committee, securing hundreds of volunteers and community partners, and ensuring food donations to serve 1,000 families. • Managed the year-round, on-site Food Pantry, as well as annual Diaper Day and Stamp Out Hunger programs to address food insecurities and increase housing stability for families. • Recruited and managed 400+ volunteers annually, including individuals, corporate and civic groups, faith-based congregations, and schools cultivating relationships and maximizing resources. Show less
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Employment/Education Services Director
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1998 - 2008
• Managed a team providing literacy, mentoring, GED, life skills, computer training and employment services. • Notably, the GED Program routinely surpassed the State of Georgia’s annual rate of tests attempted and passed. • Created a portfolio of employment partnerships with local businesses to help clients obtain employment.• Developed and implemented the Career Builders program in partnership with MUST Ministries which included a new state-of-the-art computer lab for training and a series of life skills classes.• Assisted in developing a strategic plan for the Cobb Literacy Council which added a second full-time person and volunteer program serving a segment of the population unserved. (reading/writing at or below 5th grade level).• Led the process to merge the Cobb Human Services Coalition with the Cobb Community Collaborative and form the Policy Council on Homelessness decreasing duplication, saving money, and ultimately increasing services.• Facilitated effective programs and support systems for families which resulted in transformational changes (maintaining housing, gaining employment, increased income, entrepreneurship, obtaining life skills, GED graduates, debt reduction, homeownership, stronger families, etc.). Show less
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Direct Services Case Manager
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1996 - 1998
• Provided case management, financial assistance and goal setting for hundreds of families annually to avoid eviction and secure housing stability. On average, 80% of the families served, remained in permanent housing.• Completed reports to ensure eligibility, funding, and compliance with local, state, and government grants which resulted in clean audits. • Developed and maintained strong relationships with community partners to support underserved families and the organization.
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Cobb Collaborative
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Interim Executive Director, Executive on Loan
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2011 - 2013
• Served as the interim executive director and partnered with the Board of Directors to streamline operations and programs resulting in a stronger, more viable, and relevant membership organization. • Restructured the committees aligning with the goals of the state-wide network by increasing the connections and collaboration among the members by building capacity and improving outcomes for the health and well-being of families. • Oversaw and executed the Cobb County Non-Profit Grant Process by providing training, peer review meetings, and communication with the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for the annual allocation of $1 million. • Facilitated a potential merger with a local foundation before both decided to operate as separate organizations. • Led the recruitment and hiring process to secure the new Executive Director. Show less
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Wellstar Health Place
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United States
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Health, Wellness & Fitness
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1 - 100 Employee
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Front Desk Representative
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1997 - 2012
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Education
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The University of Georgia
Bachelor of Science - BS, Elementary Education and Teaching